Sept 2, 2022 Mile Hammock Bay and on to Beaufort, NC

Thurs Sept 1 

We finally have some cruising company and overnight guest.   My brother Pete will be cruising with us for the next 2 days. Picked him up at the dinghy dock at 8:30. He had picked up some awesome biscuits for breakfast. After consuming them we got the dinghy secured on the top deck and set off for Mile Hammock Bay anchorage.   Nice cruising day.  A bit warm but we're running from up on the flybridge and making our own breeze.   Overcast so no bright sun beating down on us.  

Pete and John enjoying the view from the flybridge

 The scenery is mostly salt marshes on our starboard to the beach side and houses with docks to our port on the landward side.   Unfortunately, we missed the Wrightsville Beach bridge opening by a few minutes and since it only opens on the hour, we had a bit of a wait.  Rather than idle and hold position we tied up at the Dockside Bar and ordered an appetizer and sodas to justify using their dock.    Back on the boat after our 45-minute delay and right through without issue.   Then a quick shot down the ICW to catch the Figure Eight bridge opening 1/2 hour later.  Bridge height board was showing 21' clearance but with our height at 21-1/2' to the top of the anchor light we figured best not to try it. The remainder of the trip was pretty uneventful.  A few stretches of skinny water but thankfully we were riding an incoming tide most of the day.    Got anchored at Mile Hammock Bay at 3:45. We have used this anchorage during normal transient seasons, and it's always been full with 12-15 boats.  It feels a bit odd to be sitting here by ourselves.    After a nice italian dinner on board we were delighted with another gorgeous sunset,

A nice sunset ....

...turns into a spectacular one!!  Can't believe I forgot to blow my conch horn!!!

Journey for Sept 1

Fri Sept 2

We remained the only boat at anchor in Mile Hammock Bay. Heard a few ordinances being discharged at Camp Lejeune but all done before dark.   Odd feeling being alone there, but very tranquil.  Only about a 5-hour run today to Beaufort so no need for a super early departure.  Had a nice breakfast of coffee, eggs and bagels to hold us over for the day and finally raised anchor at 9:30 which gave us perfect timing for the 10AM opening at the Onslow Beach bridge.  Headed through the firing range at Camp Lejeune - thankfully no live firing going on today which would have required the closing of the ICW while in progress.   Pete took a nice long turn at the helm and despite traveling through a few skinny sections succeeded in avoiding any groundings. Good job!! 

Scenery passing through Camp Lejeune

Pete takes a turn at the helm

Long stretch of what looks like very open water going through Bogue Sound but it's all very shallow except the channel.  Made it to Beaufort by 2:30 so had time to try out a flight at Fishhouse Brewing Company before our nephew Logan arrived to pick up Pete for his land-based return to Carolins Beach.  We had a nice late dinner at Queen Anns Revenge with an outside table overlooking the water where we got yet another colorful sunset. 

Enjoying our flight 

Another great sunset

Journey for Sept 2

Aug 31 Southport and Carolina Beach

 Aug 31

Mon. 8/29.  After a great weekend visiting with family at Osprey Marina on the Waccamaw River it was time to get moving. Marina needed us out to make room for another arrival.   Stalled our departure a bit as a rain squall came through. Then we headed out using the pilothouse helm as the forecast was showers off and on all day.   It stopped raining by the time we hit Myrtle Beach but by then we were pretty settled in the pilothouse and decided to forego the flybridge.  

Rainy day running from the lower helm

We've been on this stretch of the ICW around MB for years, but the extra development that has occurred between each transit never ceases to amaze me. Myrtle Beach, Little River, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach all starting to run together with docks along the entire route requesting No Wake speeds.  Sorry, but that ain't happening.  Not gonna push a massive wake, but not gonna idle by for hours to make no wake.  Still wound up being a longish day pulling into Southport marina for the night around 4.   Couple of quick showers to clean us up and then walk over to the waterfront for some seafood at Fishy Fishy Cafe.  Nice sunset as we walked back to the boat with orange and pink skies stretching across the entire horizon.  Nice end to the day.

Sun setting over the water at Fishy Fishy Cafe

Sky ablaze in color back at the marina

Journey for 8-29

Tues 8/30.  We have reservations for 2 nights at the Carolina Beach mooring field.   Only a short 2 hour run so we slept in late, did a few chores, waited for the morning rain showers to pass, then headed up the Cape Fear River using the incoming tide to hurry us along.  The CB moorings have usually been full when we've passed by before but being the off season for transients, we had it all to ourselves.  This was the first time we have ever taken a mooring.  Glad no other boats were around to make us nervous.  Overall, it went pretty smooth with Martha at the helm and John working the lines.  Had to redo one line when I realized it was going over rather than under the railing. Bad on me.  Fighting with wet 3/4' lines is not fun.   Dropped the dingy and took a little cruise around the harbor.   

All tied up to the mooring ball

Resting easy at mooring

Homes surrounding the mooring field light up the harbor

Short Journey on 8-30

Wed. 8/31.   Got up and headed over to the town dingy dock with intentions of getting a few groceries and then some of Carolina Beaches famous Britts donuts.  Little local grocer had what I needed so then off to Britts only to find a sign on the door that they are now only open Fri-Mon.  Then closed for the season after Labor Day.   We made up for it by heading back to the dingy dock and burgers at the Kwik Mart for lunch.   Sounds funny, but they have some of the highest rated burgers in the Wilmington area. 

With 2 bites of burger left I remembered to take a picture.
It was as good as they say. Awesome fries too - but enough for 4 people

Later that evening we were boarded by my brother Pete, his wife Rhonda, their son Logan and his fiancée Kelsey who arrived on Pete's center console.  He lives about 1-1.2 miles down the ICW and they came up for a quick boat tour before we all headed to their house for a delicious dinner.   I just can't believe we once again were negligent in our picture taking of the occasion.   Drove the dingy back in the dark to finish off the day.

Aug 25 Up the Waccamaw River to Osprey Marina

 Aug 25

Peaceful night at anchor in Georgetown. Rain finished up, barely a breeze and just a very gentle swinging of the boat on anchor as the tides changed.   Slept in a bit.  Had some breakfast.  Finally raised anchor around 10. No rush as the run up to Osprey Marina is only a few hours and we told them to expect an early afternoon arrival.  

Leaving Georgetown, we head up the Waccamaw River.  The lower reaches start with a wide river with marshes but gradually becomes a narrower meandering river through swamplands.  The black colored water is indicative of the tannins that leach out of the swamp trees into this freshwater river.  I've always found it to be a very beautiful, undeveloped and tranquil section of the ICW. Scenic natural beauty before hitting the garish Myrtle Beach area.  It was quite a transition from yesterday's offshore run.

Lower Waccamaw River

We've known about Osprey Marina from our previous travels but had never stopped here.  But they have some of the best diesel fuel prices in SC right now and we needed to top off the tanks and their dockage rate is half that of Myrtle Beach marinas.  It's a bit smaller and more remote but well run with a friendly and helpful staff.  Very protected hurricane hole but a bit tight with room for just a handful of larger boats. 

We had hailed the marina about 10 minutes out and made arrangements to come to the fuel dock first and then head to our slip.  About 5 minutes later a message comes over the radio a southbound boat saying they are turning into the fairway for fuel.   So the marina radio's us with instructions to hold station until they are done. We idled for 45 minutes holding position out in the river while they got fueled up and docked.  Not a big issue - just one of those things that happens. We eventually got to the fuel dock, topped off with 350 gallons and then did a masterful job backing off the fuel dock and swinging 180 degrees in reverse to back into our slip.   Amazing how well we maneuver without wind or current interfering. 

My brother Paul and his wife LeeAnn would be at their condo in Garden City Beach just a few miles away so we planned to meet up on Sat.  As an extra surprise they brought my mom down from Charlotte to see the new boat and wish us well on our maiden voyage.  This turned into a perfect location to meet up for a nice family get together. We got to see their condo and had a fantastic seafood dinner at Hot Fish Club overlooking Murrells Inlet.   Then more visiting and a nice Sunday breakfast aboard the boat before they departed for home. Great to catch up and so appreciate them going the extra mile to bring mom along.

Mom visiting to check out the new boat

Martha and LeeAnn

Mom checks out the captains chair in the pilothouse

Enjoying breakfast with my brother Paul

August 24, 2022 Chesapeake Here We Come

 Aug. 24, 2022

Today we finally let loose the lines at SJYH in Charleston and started our planned trip northward to the Chesapeake for the fall.  Time to get out of this constant heat and humidity in Charleston. Hoping heading north will also reduce any hurricane interference.   Ultimately, we're looking to head up the Potomac and spend some time in Washington DC. before heading back south for the winter.  

What is it they say about "Red sky in the morning"?

So today at 7 AM sharp we untied the lines and started the journey.  Today's trip would be up to Georgetown SC.   Tides are not in our favor for getting through some shoaling that has redeveloped around Isle of Palms, McClellenville, and a few other spots.   These are the areas we ran aground back in 2019 on our first day of looping and we decided to forgo the possibility of a repeat. We opted to simply run the offshore route as the weather called for light easterly winds, 1' seas, 5 knot winds, and overcast skies but no rain until later in the day. The trip is a bit longer due to the time and distances required to exit Charleston Harbor and enter Winyah Bay.    The offshore traveling was almost too easy with only 2 autopilot headings. Very easy traveling but also a bit boring and mundane - made worse by the fact that I haven't brought any of my fishing gear on board yet.

Passing by the battery in Charleston

Heading out the inlet past Ft Sumter

On the open ocean

Hit Georgetown at low tide and got reminded of the shallow water entering the harbor as the depth finder went to less than a foot under the keel setting off the alarm.  Got through there and found a spot to drop the hook in the back waters. No wind, minimal current.  The forecast rain came through but not too bad then cleared out allowing us to listen to the live music coming from the bars along the waterfront.  Overall, a nice but longish first day back cruising.

Shrimper working Winyah Bay as we head to Georgetown

View from our anchorage in Georgetown

Journey for Aug 24

Aug 20, 2022 We Get The Dingy Back !

 Aug 20, 2022

Prior to picking up the big boat at Marine Propulsion we talked with them about fixing the frozen steering cable on the dingy.   As things go with boating, one thing led to another and we decided to leave the dingy with them to fix the steering and "while you're at it", go ahead and do a full service on the engine since we really weren't sure how many hours had passed since it was last done.  We dropped the dingy using the davit prior to departing after all the service work on the big boat.  They would work on it as they got time knowing we really didn't need it for a few weeks.  We finally got around to picking it up this past weekend.   

Good ohmen to begin my trip when a dolphin surfaced behind me

You need to understand where we're coming from with our previous dingy. That one was a truly inflatable little roll up dingy with an anemic 2.3 HP Honda motor.  It floated and could get us from Point A to Point B but that was about it.  So. we've been anxious to see what this RIB with its fiberglass hull hooked to a 40 HP Mercury 4 stroke efi engine could do. Let's just say 6000rpm WOT and 30 knots top end is an amazing difference! 

It got a good test during the 27 mile sea trial taking it around Wadmalaw Island and Johns Island back to the big boat at SJYH.  Mostly running at a more leisurely 3500/4000 rpm and 16/18 kts. Nice calm Saturday morning to start as I headed up the Edisto River.  Little bit of current working against me as low tide was approaching but with the minimal draft there was no real concerns despite no depth finder.   Boat traffic started picking up along with boat wakes after going past the boat ramp at Limehouse Bridge.  Turned the final corner and spotted Martha up on the flybridge as I pulled into the marina.   She took it for a spin part way down the Stono River and back then headed partway through Elliott Cut.  Back to the marina where we gave it a good cleaning and finished up by using the davit to stow it back securely on the aft deck.  Now we just need to use it on a routine basis to keep that steering cable from rusting up again.

Aug. 10, 2022 Boat Maintenace and Renaming Ceremony

 Aug. 10 

Been awhile since the blog was updated.  Pretty good amount of work done on the boat to make sure it was all "ship-shape" as we look to start regular cruising.   We decided while the engines and generator were being serviced at Marine Propulsion we might as well have a bottom job.  At haulout we were astounded by the heavy growth on the running gear, I knew we certainly had some based on the poor performance we had moving the boat to their docks when I couldn't achieve a WOT run and fuel consumption was more than double the normal levels. All the barnacles got chiseled off and the rest pressure washed.  

Time to scrape some barnacles!!

Then blocked up, sanded, and 2 coats of ablative paint and new zincs.   While on the hard we decided to wax the hull ourselves.  Nothing like sweating up a storm in Charleston's 95-degree heat and humidity with sun reflecting back at you off a glistening hull.  Lots of tiring work but we were satisfied with the results after applying 2 coats.  But goodness sake - 51' is A LOT of boat to wax!!!   We'll leave the upper deck for professionals to wax at a later date. 

Wash and wax all done. WHEW!!!

Mechanically, we gave both the engines as well as the generator the full preventive maintenance routine.  Rydlime  flushed through the systems to remove any buildups, then tear down all the aftercoolers and heat exchanger. Clean, test reinstall.   New hoses, impellers, belts, zincs.   New filters, oil changes, and coolant flush and fills.    Remove and test the injectors and check and adjust the valves.   That will hopefully keep the engines healthy and trouble-free for a few years.

Boat ran outstanding on our return trip to SJYH. Smooth and quiet and easily hit 2900RPM at WOT per the specs and topped out over 20mph.

We had our friends Shane, Sandy, Gene and Paula join us for a formal boat renaming ceremony on Sat afternoon.   Libations poured overboard for Neptune as we implored him to expunge the old name from his records and them more libations for him and us as we asked for safe passage with As You Wish. Then of course more libations to the gods of the winds - North, East, West and South.     Shane and Sandy - who were the only overnight guests we ever had on the previous As You Wish - became the first of hopefully many overnight guests on the new As You Wish.  

Shane preps the champagne to go with Paula's amazing charcutiers board

  Sunday we all got together for a cruise around the Stono River.  Pop up rain showers were forming around us with more serious rain and waterspouts over the ocean, so we headed to the lower helm and a return to the marina.  Luckily the storms either dissipated or moved off as we traveled back.  It was mid-tide upon our return with the current ripping, so dockage was on an outer T head until slack tide.  Then Gene and Paula acted a dockhands as we flawlessly backed into the slip like a couple of seasoned pros! 

The girls showing off their "Boat Hair, Don't Care" caps

Good Friends - Good Times!!

3 hour cruise to nowhere July 7

July 1 SJYH back to Toogoodoo Creek and on to Marine Propulsion

July 1 

Schedules are a terrible thing to have when you're boating.  We were tested on several fronts with this dilemma as we made our way out of St. Johns Yacht Harbor after spending a leisurely month docked there.  SJYH is sort of our home base, and the month here gave us time to run back and forth to our dirt home a few times to remove some items off the boat as well as bring some other items back.  We even had visitors!!   My older brother Joe from New Zealand, his son - my nephew, Daniel, his wife Athene and their 2-1/2 year old son Xavier had rented a house for a few days on James Island providing an opportunity for some family time both on board the boat and at their Airbnb. 

John, Xavier, Daniel and Joe 

We got a few projects taken care of while docked.  The old name was removed and "As You Wish" with our new logo was applied.  Then we were able to get a local canvas shop to repair some tears and reinforce a few areas on our bimini top.  Martha did a bit of redecorating to start making it ours and I even got her to take of the tour of the engine room!

It's official - name installed

Back to the dilemma of schedules.  We had scheduled a firm arrival date of June 30 for the 1000 hour service work on the engines and generator at Marine Propulsion. That would involve a several hour trip back around to Bohicket Creek.  We also needed to time our departure from SJYH for slack tide due to the strong tidal current in Charleston.  Then we also had to time our arrival at Marine Propulsion for slack high tide as the creek going in has some shallow water at low tide. Our "schedule" was to leave SJYH at 10AM on June 29 for a couple hour cruise and anchor overnight at Toogoodoo Creek and then depart on June 30 at 9:30AM to arrive at MP at 11AM.  Sounds like good planning.  And for the most part it was - except for a few trials due to weather. 

When we started from SJYH the weather was overcast with likely isolated rain later in the day, so we opted to begin our trip from the open flybridge. We kept hoping rain would hold off until we got anchored but some ominous clouds developing on the horizon was saying differently.  So we started moving our gear down to the pilothouse. We got most of it down and the controls covered just as the rain started up.  And it was a downpour.  First obstacle was another boat approaching based on AIS.  Raining so hard we had limited visibility but eventually a ghost ship appeared through the rain and passed as we idled slower on our side of the channel.  A few minutes later the rain came down so hard we could see nothing and in total disorientation made the mistake of putting the engines in neutral which then had the effect of letting the wind and current take control. Not a smart decision while in a narrow stretch of ICW with shallow marsh on either side. Trying to gain back control we powered back and forth across the channel using just the chartplotter for guidance before finally gaining full control. I have never before felt such a complete loss of orientation as that situation.   Nothing to see out the pilothouse windows except a blanket of grey in every direction.   This finally passed and we made our way to Toogoodoo Creek anchorage.  By then the rain had stopped and we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon and evening and even got a fine sunset to end the day.

Sunset in Toogoodoo Creek at anchor

We slept well at anchor. Decent evening temperatures, very little wind to contend with and just the swinging of the boat on anchor as the tide changed.   Weather forecast was for potential afternoon storms the next day and per our "schedule" it wouldn't arrive until after we got secured at MP.  So much for weather forecasts.  The only rain all day occurred during the 5 minutes we were docking!!   That was until later that evening when a good blow came through with winds, more torrential rain and thunder and lightning.   Found out the next morning the start of Tropical Storm Colin had formed and passed right over us!

Yup!.  That's us in the yellow circle. 

We're now secured and will be leaving the boat here for a few weeks.  Along with the engine servicing we'll have the boat hauled and get a bottom paint job giving us a baseline to start our ownership. We're hoping by August we'll be ready to start heading north for some proper cruising.  At least then we'll be able to travel on our own schedule where we can stay in port if the weather forecast is questionable.

Journey for June 29

Journey for June 30